Warrant leads to watery arrest

By TRAVIS HANDY
travis@southwesttimes.com
A short, but eventful pursuit led to a suspect being plucked from the cold waters of Peak Creek by two Pulaski County deputies Wednesday.

According to Trooper M.K. Blevins with Virginia State Police, officers were seeking the suspect, Troy Lee Buckner Jr., on a warrant for “failing to reregister as a sex offender.” Trooper Blevins said to his knowledge there were no other warrants listed for Buckner at the time of his arrest. Buckner’s last known address is 613 Orchard Rd., Pulaski.

Capt. Jeff Saunders of Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department said the suspect was spotted around 11 a.m. by Deputy Jamie Radcliffe, who pursued Buckner. He said Buckner ran from the officer and jumped into Peak Creek in a location along Dora Highway.

Deputy Radcliffe was assisted by another officer, Deputy Terry Hodge, as the suspect had to be pulled from the creek during the apprehension. Buckner was in custody after about eight minutes.

Buckner was transported to LewisGale Hospital-Pulaski to be checked out due to exposure to cold water during the incident. He was then taken to New River Valley Regional Jail for booking.

According to court records and Virginia Sex Offender Registry information, Buckner was convicted of aggravated sexual battery in January 2010.

He has been charged with failing to register as a sex offender, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor. He is being held at NRVRJ without bond.

Information obtained from Virginia State Police’s website states offenders are required to register on an annual basis. Registration means the person “has notified the State Police, confirmed his current physical and mailing address and provided such other information, including identifying information, which the State Police may require.”